The issue has been highlighted by the high levels of thermal insulation and airtight fabric used in modern residential building, raising concerns that it might cause buildings to overheat in hot weather.
Oxford Brookes University researchers said the risk of a house built with lightweight framing overheating was comparable to a building with brick and lightweight blocks.
The work was commissioned by the Steel Construction Institute. A dynamic thermal simulation model was developed for a typical three-bedroom house in four construction systems.
Commenting on the findings, TRADA said: "The results show that thermal mass in domestic buildings has a neglible effect on overheating during occupied hours.
"However, it also highlighted that if the climate warms in future, the risk of overheating may well increase. The study maintains it is sensible to consider cooling strategies and avoid the need for air conditioning."
Rupert Scott, TRADA membership and marketing manager, said: "As climate change progresses it will remain critical that the dwellings produced have both a low carbon impact and remain comfortable in what is likely to become an increasingly severe climate."
